France announces emergency aid package for farmers hit by historic drought

France is preparing a financial aid package worth several hundred million euros for farmers who have suffered major losses due to extreme summer heat and drought, according to agriculture ministry officials. The full details of the compensation plan are expected to be announced next week.

The country has experienced one of the most severe hot and dry spells on record in western Europe, with conditions damaging crops, pastures, and water supplies. Around 65% of French territory has faced drought conditions that are estimated to occur only once every 25 years, and 60% of groundwater reserves are below normal levels.

July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in France, with an average temperature of 24.9°C — 3.8°C above the seasonal norm. This surpassed the previous records set in 2003 (24.3°C) and 1976 (23°C).

Crop losses of 50% or more compared to recent averages have already been reported in several regions, with some areas experiencing losses of 70% to 80%. Grain maize production is projected to fall by 34%, forage maize by 30%, and certain vegetables such as leeks, cauliflower, garlic, onions, shallots, and beans are facing losses of around 50%.

French growers also estimate that potato output could shrink by 23% and sugar beet production by more than 20%. Small red-fruit crops like cherries, blackcurrants, and redcurrants have been completely lost in some cases, as have certain non-irrigated artichoke crops locally.

Pastures used for livestock feed have been severely degraded across most regions, with more than half affected. As of August 20, pasture growth was 36% below the 1989-2018 average. Wildfires have also impacted agricultural or forest land in every French region, with damaged agricultural areas exceeding 500 hectares in the most affected regions.